Holiday Safety campaign launches

With the holiday season upon us, the Oakville Fire Department is reminding residents to be merry, be bright, but also be fire safe. It can be one of the most dangerous times of the year for home fires.

Teddy Bear Toss Game on December 4

Throughout December, the Fire Prevention team will be out in the community sharing tips on how to stay fire safe during the holidays at a number of events across Oakville, including the Oakville Blades’ Teddy Bear Toss Game at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex on December 4. Residents are encouraged to donate a new stuffed animal or to support the Oakville Professional Firefighters Association annual toy drive. The game starts at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit the Oakville Blades website.

Sparky visits at recreation skating events

The Fire Prevention team will also have an information booth at Oakville Place from December 10 to 12 and Sparky will be sharing safety tips at the following recreation skating events:

• Glen Abbey Community Centre, 1415 Third Line, December 19 from 1-2:45 p.m.
• Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, 3070 Neyagawa Blvd., December 21 from 6-8 p.m.
• River Oaks Community Centre, 2400 Sixth Line, December 22 from 12-2 p.m.
• Trafalgar Park Community Centre, 133 Rebecca St., December 29 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, 3070 Neyagawa Blvd., December 30 from 2-4 p.m.
• Glen Abbey Community Centre, 1415 Third Line, January 2 from 1-2:45 p.m.

Radio contest

Oakville Fire and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council has also partnered with SheridanLife Radio to promote fire safety among Sheridan College students from December 12 to 24 between 4 and 6 p.m. The first listener to hear the message over the radio and send a message to SheridanLife Radio through Instagram saying “fire safety” will receive a fire safety prize pack.

Holiday Safety Tips

For a safe holiday season, please consider the following tips:

• Go flameless and use battery operated candles.
• If you choose to use candles, be sure to blow them out before you leave the room.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach and sight of children.
• When using lights outdoors ensure they are rated for outdoor use.
• Check your holiday decorations and replace frayed or damaged cords.
• Test your smoke and CO alarms monthly to ensure they are working.
• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in your home.

Stay tuned!

For some new holiday-themed fire safety videos and more tips, keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter and visit the Holiday Fire Safety page.

Camp Molly

Camp Molly offers a chance for young women aged 15 to 18 years to learn what it’s like to have a career in the fire services – beyond fire suppression.

Tours and truck bookings

Due to COVID-19, station tours and truck visits are cancelled until further notice.

Guided fire station tours and/or truck visits are available for groups.

• Visits must be booked one to three weeks in advance.

To book a visit email gbarwell@oakville.ca or glaframboise@oakville.ca the following information:

• Date and time of event
• Type of event (class visit, street party)
• Contact information (name, phone number, email)
• Brief outline of the event
• Reason you want the fire department to attend/reason for station visit
• Location of visit (i.e. closest station, or event address)

Please note: crews may leave at a moment’s notice to attend to an emergency.

Oakville Fire Department demonstrates fire growth and the importance of an escape plan in new video

In this video the Oakville Fire Department provides a visual demonstration showing how quickly a bedroom fire can spread when there is no sprinkler system.

Watch the growth of the fire, and learn the importance of having working smoke alarms in every bedroom, as well as a home escape plan.

Kitchen fire safety videos

• Cam reminds you to stand by your pan
• Gary wants you to create a kid-free zone while cooking
• Glenn tells us to keep our cooking area clear of clutter
• Kevin talks about the hazards of loose clothing and how to treat a burn
• Sean reminds you to keep pot lids nearby when cooking